Extreme Sports and Races in the Hudson Valley, Upstate NY

Warrior Dash

Length: 3 miles
Known for: Costumed Cargo Net climbers

In the same vein as the Spartan Sprint, the Warrior Dash takes participants “right up the mountain,” says Beth Barry, media and communications manager at Windham Mountain Ski Resort, which hosts the event. Thirteen muddy, watery, and fiery obstacles impede their progress, the toughest of which — according to Events Manager Eric Lenseth — seems relatively tame. “I’d have to say the Cargo Climb is the hardest obstacle. They have to climb up a cargo net, then across it and down the other side. A lot of people have trouble with that one.” A whopping 25,000 “warriors,” ranging in age from 13 to 60-plus, took part in this wild scramble last year. “We get a lot of New York City people, who work at a desk job all day long. Most of them walk the whole way,” Lenseth says. Unlike the Spartan Sprint, speed is not an important part of the equation. “The whole event is just one incredible party. Lots of people come in groups and wear costumes. Last year, we had 25 guys painted to look like Smurfs,” Lenseth says. “Everyone has a smile as they cross the finish line.” Keeping with the Viking warrior theme, finishers are rewarded for their efforts with a free beer and a whole turkey leg. Aug. 11-12; 518-734-4300; www.warriordash.com or www.windhammountain.com